Palm Springs’ Alcazar is aptly named - after the Arabic word that translates as castle or palace. Although small and intimate, the hotel packs a grand feel of elegance and exclusivity in its blend of Spanish Colonial architecture updated with the area’s signature mid-Century modern design.

The former Pepper Tree Inn re-opened as the Alcazar in 2011, just off the town’s main drag, Palm Canyon Dr. The boutique property is just a block away from the ever-popular Koffi and its grassy, welcoming courtyard.

Alcazar’s 34-rooms wreath a central pool and Jacuzzi, edged by walls of water that cascade down framed screens. It’s a lovely, chic effect that adds to the soothing but hip vibe – one that hits you just after entering the iron gates ornamented with green glass.

Rooms are white-on-white efficient and stylish, with furnishings mostly from IKEA, which work well given the smaller scale and ordered feel the property emanates. King, queen and double rooms are available, a few with fireplaces.

Alcazar is the final piece in the owner’s ABC vision, that includes restaurants Cheeky’s and Birba that adjoin the property. Owners describe the concept as a “complete container” comprising “relaxed luxury, community, creativity, love and integrity.”

Quirky artwork by KeFe hangs in Alcazar, Cheeky’s and Birba. Described as “experimental yet classically grounded,” the pieces by the San Francisco artists Kelly Tunstall and Ferris Plock include touches of surrealism and animalistic enchantment.